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Table Hopping with Morris Gut: Where to Dine After the Spring Orchid Show at NYBG!

The annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx runs through April 26TH.  This year’s colorful theme: ‘Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle’. (For additional info: www.nybg.org) After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are a few great stops on the way back to Westchester…

BASILICO: This lovely dining room and bar opened 6 months ago by hospitality veterans Nick Demaliaj and Jetmir Arifaj. It is a global mix of Mediterranean/Italian/American specialties. Chef Leonardo Pavia offers such dishes as Spaghetti Bolognese, Squid Ink Linguine, Braised Short Ribs, Zuppa di Pesce, a surprising Coq au Vin, even a big juicy Wagyu Truffle Burger. Nick & Jetonir had worked previously worked at the iconic Russian Tea Room in Manhattan. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch. Prix fixe lunches available. Basilico Restaurant, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914-740-5900 www.basilicopelham.com 

PELHAM PIZZERIA: Pelham Pizzeria & Ristorante has been marking over 45 years in Pelham with a classic Italian American menu and first-rate pizza specialties. The display case beckons with its fresh baked pizzas by the slice: Sausage Pie with signature lumps of tasty sausage; Spinach Pie, White Pizza, and Chicken Cutlet Pie. Many of the classic Italian American red-sauce favorites are here: Veal, Chicken, Shrimp or Eggplant Parmigiana; Homemade Lasagna; Baked Manicotti; Veal or Chicken Francese; Shrimp Scampi; Veal Marsala; and hearty Grilled Chicken with Broccoli Rabe and Potatoes. Portions are generous. Pelham Pizzeria & Ristorante, 113 Fifth Ave., Pelham. Phone: 914-738-3554. www.pelhampizzeria.com 

ONE RARE STEAKHOUSE: Veteran restaurateur Harry Sinanaj of Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse in Manhattan has opened Westchester’s newest upscale bastion of beef at the former Zachy’s Wine Shop space right in the Village of Scarsdale. The team at this handsomely designed 120-seat restaurant with sparkling bar will lavish you. From Chef Admir’s kitchen come such specialties as: a daily selection of East or West Coast Oysters, Wedge Salad, Pappardelle with short ribs, classic Surf & Turf, Porterhouse for 2 or more, and Tomahawk Steak. The bar is already a hot spot. Opens at 4 p.m; weekends from 11:30 a.m. One Rare Italian Steakhouse, 16 East Parkway, Scarsdale. 914-330-8488 www.oneraresteakhouse.com  

CAFÉ DEUX: Sisters Carrie and Charlotte Denoyer premiered Café Deux in Harrison last year, an all-day café and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Highlights include a decadent bowl of soft scrambled eggs melded with gruyere and chives served with crusty sourdough bread.  Classic French bistro fair: fresh pastries, sandwiches, entrees, and sweets including their signature ‘cupped desserts’ as complement their daily selection of curated coffees and teas. Cocktails, too. Jean Denoyer, their father, opened the original La Goulue in Manhattan over 50 years ago. Café Deux, 307 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-920-4110 www.cafedeuxny.com 

TORCELLO: Imer Rraci and his veteran team reimagined the former La Riserva into a lovely setting for the Italian classics. Named after an island off the coast of Venice, this kitchen turns out such winning dishes as: colorful Mozzarella Caprice; Risotto Di Funghi with porcini; Linguine alle Vongole; Veal Chop Parmigiana; classic Rack of Lamb; and delicious Pollo Torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce. Rraci had spent years working for the former Giambelli in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, CT. Open 7 days for dinner starting at 3:30 p.m. Bar/cocktails. Happy hours Wed. through Fri.  3:30-6 pm. Outdoor patio. Free parking. Torcello, 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914-833-1118 www.torcellolarchmont.com 

(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)